As a member of the post-thirty drinking brigade, I’m most excited by small bars with an extended lounge-room feel.

Naturally, I also expect better-than-average beverages. From a lychee martini inspired Well Connected ($16) cocktail, to a ripper Knappstein Lager ($10), the selection here doesn’t disappoint. It’s not really surprising: Nick Barlow hones his skills by day with the Rockpool Group. He produced a winning 2008 Peloton Bourgogne Chardonnay ($11/glass, $47/bottle) with Frangelico on the nose, from his tight, well-priced list of food-friendly drops (all available by the glass).

Whilst youngsters will gravitate toward the uber-hip Dos Blockos ($8), for me, the lager didn’t live up to the label. Regardless it lubricated an excellent bowl of owner/chef Jeff Kingston’s Buffalo Wings ($8) – certainly a contender for Sydney’s best.

As Jeff describes the menu, it’s “tapas as a compliment to your drink” but his North American inspired dishes – including great Hand-cut Fries ($5.50)...

...tasty Grilled Fetta ($9.50) and chunky Bringelly Prosciutto with Toasted Ciabatta ($9.50) – all stand up well. Drinking and imbibing on a rainy afternoon sadly ruled out his balcony Smoked Chilli Bowl ($10), but Pork Belly with Apple and Red Cabbage ($12.50) tarted up by prunes, filled out my corners and should suit the soon-to-be-released Batlow Premium Cider ($8).

Please note all portions pictured here, including the Grilled Chicken and Fetta Salad ($12) pictured above, were sample portions to allow me to sample more of the menu. An ordinary portion would be bigger... making the prices here very kind to the wallet indeed.